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In 20 words or less, what is the best thing about being part of this department?
This is one of the most interdisciplinary departments on campus and introduces students to many diverse skills and concepts.

What is your biggest piece of advice to first years and sophomores about getting connected to this department?
Take classes across many different disciplines to get a broad background in biology, chemistry, philosophy, physics, computer science, and psychology. From these different courses, try to begin making connections and relate them to the field of neuroscience. This will help you greatly once you begin to take higher levels courses in the department.

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned at K?
Some of the most important things you will learn will not be for a test, but are rather unintentional lessons from those around you.

What has been your favorite class at K?
As of right now, my favorite class at K has been Physiological Psychology with Dr. Batsell. I enjoyed the balanced blend of psychology and biology that this course provided. Furthermore, I enjoyed learning about the famous studies that have advanced the field. At its core, this really is the perfect “Intro to Neuroscience” course.

How have you taken advantage of the open curriculum or experienced breadth in your education?
Because of K’s open curriculum, I was able to take elective courses and study abroad while still completing both of my majors and concentration with plenty of time before graduation. I have taken courses such as Astronomy, Hindu Traditions, and Jazz Explorations simply because I was interested in them.

What experiential education opportunities have you participated in?
I am a captain on the women’s lacrosse team, a SACC representative, and a co-founder of Konstellation. I have worked for the Biology Department and Physics Department as a TA and SI for various courses. Additionally, I work in the CIP as a Peer Advisor. In the summer after my sophomore year, I completed a NSF REU called SIREN (Summer Intensive Research Experience in Neuroscience) at the University of Michigan. I continued my work in Barmada Lab during the summer after my junior year for my SIP. Lastly, I have done research at Western Michigan University (Baker Lab) and will work in Dr. Batsell’s lab on campus during my senior year.

What is your SIP?
Connecting RNA Methylation with TDP43 Autoregulation and Mislocalization in ALS/FTD

What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?
After K, I plan to attend graduate school for a PhD in Neuroscience. My long-term career aspirations are to be a professor, with hopes of teaching and conducting research at a high level.

What is a random fun fact about you?
I have 12 tattoos!